San Francisco 49ers Draft Picks: Results, Analysis and Grades

San Francisco 49ers Draft Picks: Results, Analysis and Grades

With a plethora of picks, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke will look to bolster an already elite team.John Froschauer/Associated Press

With the 2014 NFL draft looming, the San Francisco 49ers stand poised to cash in on one of the deepest draft classes in recent years.

San Francisco boasts a total of 11 picks—six of which fall in the top 100 per CBS Sports.

This gives the 49ers, a team already laden with talent, plenty of ammunition to execute virtually any move possible. Further bolstering the team's position is the notion that there are relatively few needs. The 49ers franchise is already elite without this draft, providing an added luxury.

Still, general manager Trent Baalke and the 49ers' front office must take this draft seriously.

There are needs that should be addressed. There are concerns, both current and future, that the 2014 draft class can help alleviate. In order to stay atop the NFL, Baalke and Co. will need to act accordingly.

So how will they?

For starters, we can assume the 49ers are targeting two immediate positions of need—wide receiver and cornerback.

With incumbent Nos. 1 and 2 receivers Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin locked up for 2014, the 49ers aren't exactly pressed to get a playmaking receiver on offense right away. Yet the fact the team ranked No. 30 in the NFL with 2,979 passing yards in 2013 suggests this need is pretty clear.

Combine that with Boldin's age—33 years old—and that Crabtree is entering a contract year, and suddenly the focus on a long-term receiving solution becomes more paramount.

Then there is the need at cornerback.

San Francisco parted ways with veteran defensive backs Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers during the offseason. While the team can bank upon the returned of Chris Culliver, who missed all of 2013 with an injury, as well as the offseason addition of former Vikings cornerback Chris Cook, this unit is still pretty thin.

Do not be surprised to see the 49ers tap into multiple prospects at each of their needs throughout the draft.

Aside from those two positions, look for the 49ers to make some additional moves during the draft to reinforce other areas of less-than immediate need.

San Francisco may consider adding some depth to its defensive line. In spite of picking up the fifth-year option on Aldon Smith, the 49ers' front office may still look to add a pass-rushing linebacker at some point late.

As always, developmental and role-player prospects should be a part of the 49ers' draft equation.

This slideshow will be updated with each pick as the draft moves along. Each slide will break down the prospect selected, along with analysis and how he fits in with the team. Finally, a grade will be assigned to each individual pick.

Be sure to keep this slideshow open as you follow what the 49ers do in each round of the 2014 NFL draft.

Round 1: 49ers Select Northern Illinois Strong Safety Jimmie Ward

The 49ers elected not to move up as high as some may have thought—and ignored the needs at cornerback and wide receiver—and drafted Northern Illinois strong safety Jimmie Ward out of Northern Illinois.

Call it a stunning move if you want, but it makes sense when you start to think about what the 49ers need to do in their secondary.

Combine Ward with safeties Eric Reid and Antoine Bethea, and the 49ers secondary is starting to look more like the elite secondaries of division rivals, the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals.

At Northern Illinois, Ward tabbed 11 interceptions during his senior year. He has a ballhawk mentality that is needed in the 49ers backfield.

What makes this pick interesting is that Ward has the flexibility to line up as a slot corner as well as a safety. If the 49ers do elect to use three-safety sets more frequently in 2014, Ward will be a hard-hitting factor in this regard.

Per source: #49ers will start Ward as a nickel and groom him to be a safety to take over for Bethea

The only question is whether or not the 49ers could have sat on a player in this mold for a while. According to Pete Prisco of CBS Sports, Ward was not as pressing a need considering the team already has Reid and Bethea patrolling the secondary.

Yet if Ward's flexibility allows Vic Fangio's defense to be stronger in nickel packages, and potentially line up the rookie in the slot, this move starts to make a little more sense.

Grade: B

Round 2, Pick No. 57 Overall: 49ers Select Ohio State RB Carlos Hyde

2 of 12

Round 2, No. 57 Overall: San Francisco Moves to the 57th overall pick in a trade with the Miami Dolphins and draft running back Carlos Hyde from Ohio State.

With the 57th overall pick, the 49ers elect to grab running back Carlos Hyde out of Ohio State.

This is the draft selection San Francisco has made since taking safety Jimmie Ward in Round 1. Moving down essentially one pick at the end of the day offers plenty of confusion, but the 49ers are able to net another pick in the process, so the deal makes some sense from that aspect.

On one hand, general manager Trent Baalke does have to consider that incumbent No. 1 back Frank Gore will be 31-years-old at the start of the season—ancient for running backs. Gore also enters a contract year in 2014.

But the 49ers added South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore last season, who subsequently spent the entire season on injured reserve.

It is a questionable pick from San Francisco's perspective. With Gore, Kendall Hunter and Lattimore all vying for playing time, the window for Hyde will likely be narrow, at least in his rookie season. Yet he does add some thump to his downhill running style per his draft profile page on CBS Sports.

Frank Gore in last year of contract, Marcus Lattimore is a question mark until he proves his knee is fully back. Hyde brings the thunder

This is an excellent move for the 49ers who have a pressing need at the position following the departure of veteran Jonathan Goodwin via free agency.

During the offseason, San Francisco extended backup offensive lineman Daniel Kilgore to a three-year, $4.845 million contract extension.

This initial move all but guaranteed Goodwin was out. Yet the 49ers' coaching staff rarely hands starting positions to players without some sort of competition.

Such is the case when they added Martin.

Touted as the No. 1 center on the board per CBS Sports, Martin plays with the nastiness the 49ers are seeking to plug up the center of their line. Additionaly, Martin can slide over to the guard position—vital in case San Francisco is unable to re-sign Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati after his 2014 contract season.

49ers took C/G Marcus Martin, USC, with 70th pick. Will compete at center, could fill in at guard if Mike Iupati departs next season.

So let us sum up what San Francisco gets with their first pick in Round 3.

Martin will have the direct chance to compete with Kilgore for the starting center job in 2014. If he does not earn that slot, Martin should likely serve as a versatile backup until the possible departure of Iupati via free agency.

Had All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman not suffered the gruesome knee injury we all saw during the NFC Championship game last season, this pick likely would have gone much differently.

Common thought would dictate that fellow 49ers linebacker Michael Wilhoite would step in to Bowman's stead, much like he did for Patrick Willis over a brief course in 2013.

Per CBS Sports, Bowman is expected to return around the midpoint of the 2014 season. If Wilhoite can step up as well as he did for Willis, San Francisco's defense will not be set back that much.

However with Wilhoite removed from a backup slot, a void has opened for the 49ers' linebacker corps. Filling this void now is Wisconsin's Chris Borland, whom the 49ers selected with the 77th overall pick.

The 2013 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year plays with a tremendous amount of grit and physicality as suggested by his draft profile on CBS Sports. He has also been tabbed by CBS Sports as the second-best inside linebacker in the 2014 draft class.

While the positives are there, Borland does come with a number of concerns. Injuries raise a red flag, as Borland has undergone two shoulder surgeries already.

At the outset, Borland should start training camp in direct competition with Wilhoite for the starting inside linebacker job alongside Willis until Bowman is able to return.

After that point, Borland should see time on special teams and as a defensive backup.

The 49ers had a need to fulfill depth here. They got one of the better names on the board at this position. Perhaps they drafted him a bit early considering Borland is little more than a temporary fix, but with all the activity San Francisco has engaged in thus far, why not?

San Francisco is no stranger to drafting injured players and reshirting them during their rookie seasons. Last year, the 49ers picked up Tank Carradine and Marcus Lattimore in Rounds 2 and 4, respectively. Neither played in 2013, instead spending the entire season rehabbing and preparing for their eventual NFL debuts.

By drafting injured players who may not contribute immediately, the 49ers essentially get a bargain pick—pending, of course, the player can make a full recovery.

After drafting Marcus Martin with the first pick in the round, San Francisco's offensive line looks all but set in 2014. Yet Mike Iupati is entering a contract year, so adding Thomas could provide a viable, cost-saving option after his recovery.

Thomas might have slipped a little further in the draft. CBS Sports projected him as being a Round 5 target. But the 49ers have had excellent runs of grabbing bona fide O-linemen in recent years, so we should probably trust in what they are doing.

While the 49ers had already added a wide receiver via the Stevie Johnson trade, picking up Ellington adds not only depth, but future considerations for a San Francisco receiving corps that could be changing over the next few seasons.

[Ellington] possesses a stout, athletic frame with broad shoulders and a thick lower half. Excellent quickness at the snap to avoid press coverage. Possesses the burst to put defenders on their heels, as well as very good lateral agility and a hesitation move that leaves corners guessing ... Can track over either shoulder, as well as turn back and time his leap well to out-jump taller, bigger defenders. Talented returner who shows no hesitancy in attacking holes.

There is the aspect of him playing special teams—returning kicks over the last three seasons at South Carolina. Regardless of how long it takes him to work his way onto the 49ers' receiver depth chart, Ellington should already be able to contribute on special teams.

Ellington should be contributing on special teams immediately, could be a slot WR. #49ers

This selection could spell the end for LaMichael James in San Francisco, but we can evaluate that at another time.

The primary mark against Ellington is his size. At 5'9" and 197 pounds, Ellington does not possess the elite height desired at the position. He is fast though and Rang suggests above that his agility and burst may be the weapons used to beat opposing secondaries.

Ellington going to the 49ers early in Round 4 is a great pick. He can contribute right away on special teams and may turn into a viable slot receiver in years to come.

Grade: A-

Round 4, Pick No. 129 Overall: 49ers Select NC State Dontae Johnson

7 of 12

Round 4, No. 129 Overall: 49ers add their first cornerback in the draft by selecting NC State cornerback Dontae Johnson.

This type of tall, physical corner is something the 49ers have likely touted—especially given the comparisons between San Francisco and division rivals, the Seattle Seahawks.

The 49ers know one of those cornerbacks—Richard Sherman—very well. While the size and aggressiveness on the field may be in common, Johnson does not compare himself to Sherman per Mindi Bach of CSN Bay Area.

#49ers Dontae Johnson won't compare himself to another big corner, Richard Sherman, saying Sherman earned his rep through his work ethic...

While San Francisco's D-line is well-stocked with talent, adding additional pass-rushers like Lynch is never a bad idea.

Furthermore, finding depth behind veterans like Justin Smith will help keep the 49ers' starters rested over the course of a full season.

The idea of rotating pass-rushing defenders throughout defensive stands is becoming more prevalent in today's NFL. With the 49ers having a history of relying on the same group of guys on the defensive line, perhaps such a move suggests a shift to this newer philosophy.

In his last season with South Florida, Lynch totaled 5 sacks along with 11.5 tackles for a loss.

On the upside, Lynch is a dynamic athlete who possesses the combination of size, speed and aggressiveness.

[Lynch is] a freakish athlete with a rare combination of size, speed and length, Lynch explodes off the ball with an impressive first step, exhibits powerful hands to clear a path and closes with elite burst. At 6-6 and just under 250 pounds (was once around 260 while at Notre Dame), Lynch has room to add mass without losing a step, and offers the versatility of lining up at either end, or even along the interior on passing downs. When the motor is running, Lynch has appeared unstoppable at times. Has everything you look for in an NFL end, in terms of physical gifts.

While this combination of talent and size could have certainly resulted in Lynch being drafted higher, questions have surrounded his work ethic and attitude.

Rang also points out this issue and elaborates on the inconsistencies prevalent after transferring to South Florida.

The lack of weight is also another concern. At 244 pounds, Lynch is perhaps a little undersized for the defensive end position. Perhaps a transition to outside linebacker is what could happen here.

Still, the 49ers look to add more depth in their pass-rushing scheme. If the coaching staff can help turn any character concerns into positive attributes, this Lynch pick will be worthwhile.

By this point in the draft, San Francisco's secondary has been solidified following the additions of players like Jimmie Ward and Dontae Johnson. The addition of Reaser falls in line with San Francisco's recent history of drafting injured players with the hopes of receiving a bargain return once they recover.

Reaser suffered an ACL tear last October, but showed some strength in his limited participation at the NFL Scouting Combine per Taylor Price of 49ers.com.

At this point, the 49ers appear to be taking a shotgun approach to bolstering the defensive backfield. With so many picks allocated to the secondary, San Francisco is vying to get at least one promising starter at some point in the future.

Acker fits this mold and should be able to at least initially compete for time on special teams at the outset.

At 6'0" and 190 pounds, Acker has good size for the position. He also posted 4.50 time in the 40-yard dash at the combine per his profile on CBS Sports.

Also described on his CBS Sports profile:

A shutdown corner for SMU, Acker is a good all around athlete who compiled more than 3,000 total yards and 40 touchdowns as a senior in high school. He spent last summer also working with quarterback Garrett Gilbert in anticipation of seeing some slot duty on offense.

While the physical portion to his game is there, questions remain about how physical the Southern Methodist product is, especially in press coverage.

Acker has nice length and fluidity in space, but doesn´t play with the press strength that his size suggests he should. Has upside, but needs to get stronger, and should compete for a special teams role initially, for the ´Niners.

If this aspect can be developed, Acker will have the chance to compete for a nickel or dime corner position in the 49ers defense in coming years.

The upside is there and Acker does add depth. Given concerns with San Francisco's secondary coming into the draft, another protege here is worth the pick.

Taken in Round 7, there is an outside chance he is able to compete for a spot on San Francisco's front seven.

Nose tackles Glenn Dorsey and Ian Williams figure to get the brunt of action for the 49ers entering 2014. There are also other backups that could slide in from either end.

With this in mind—and considering Ramsey's injury concerns—the 49ers are merely looking for added depth and competition moving into training camp.

In all likelihood, Ramsey will not be part of San Francisco's 53-man roster any time soon. But he does have some flexibility to play the outside, so that gives him a little versatility within the 49ers' plans.

The 49ers appear set with fullback Bruce Miller heading into 2014. Miller did suffer an injury late in the season last year, so perhaps this move is meant to stock up not just on versatility, but on depth as well.

When healthy, Millard could be a very nice option in various packages for the 49ers' offense. Millard has shown the ability to both run and catch the ball. His blocking sills are also adequate.

Overall, it's a nice investment.

Grade: B+

Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Follow him @PeterMcShots on Twitter.